Favorite Parts of Working in the Law Industry As a Clinical Professor of Law
Amy's favorite aspect of working in education is the flexibility it offers, allowing for a better work-life balance, a key reason for leaving private practice where "it really was not flexible". The collegiality with "like-minded colleagues" and the ability to prioritize family are additional benefits, despite the salary reduction.
Higher Education, Work-Life Balance, Legal Profession, Teaching, Academic Career
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Amy Levin
Clinical Professor of Law
LMU Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
University of California, Berkeley 1994
University of California, Los Angeles JD/MSW
Psychology
Education, Law
Education
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Flexibility: Amy values the flexibility in her schedule as a Clinical Professor of Law, allowing her to balance work and family commitments, unlike her previous experience in private practice.
2. Work-Life Balance: The flexibility in education enables her to prioritize family events and maintain a better work-life balance, a key factor in her career change.
3. Supportive Colleagues: Amy highlights the positive and collaborative environment with like-minded colleagues who share a passion for teaching and learning.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
Education is great. As I've mentioned, I love working with students, but I'm also a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. One nice thing about education is flexibility.
When I have to teach, my classes are scheduled, and I am on campus. It's less flexible then. But over the summers, I typically don't teach.
I'm working quite a bit, writing assignments for the next year and articles. I'm doing whatever I need to do to prep for classes. So, I'm busy, but there's flexibility in my day.
If I want to catch a sports game for one of my children, I can. If they have a jazz performance, I can be there. It allows me to set priorities in my life and have better work-life balance.
That was one of the primary reasons I left private practice, which really was not flexible. I always wanted to teach, and I think I would have ended up in education anyway. So maybe I should say it was one of the reasons, but it's been one of the big bonuses of being in education.
The only downfall is you take a pretty big salary cut to do it, at least in the legal profession. But being available for my family and friends has been a huge upside.
I also enjoy being around like-minded colleagues who are interested in learning, teaching, and being with students. I have a wonderful set of colleagues, which I've really enjoyed as well.